Our expanding In Vivo Pharmacology group in Lake County, IL has an opening for an experienced Histologist/pharmacologist to act as a lead scientist for discovery research within our Calico collaboration. Since 2014, AbbVie and Calico, a Google-backed life sciences company, have worked together to discover, develop, and bring to market new therapies for patients with age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. You will work as part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary team discovering innovative therapeutics across several age-related target diseases areas. This role will report to the Senior Principal Research Scientist / Leader for Calico In Vivo Pharmacology.

Candidates should have a proven track record of technical expertise with histological analysis in a wide range of preclinical models (e.g., fibrosis, immune, kidney, cardiovascular or CNS). Primary duties include experimental design and execution, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), microscopy, quantitative image analysis, data analysis, and presentation of results. Previous hands-on experience in troubleshooting and optimizing staining protocols as well as a foundational theoretical knowledge of IHC are required. Previous experience in drug discovery is preferred. Additional skills in in situ hybridization, biochemistry, and immunoassays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, MSD, flow cytometry) are also valued.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive and execute novel scientific research, meeting regularly with project teams and colleagues to schedule and prioritize multiple lines of research simultaneously.
• May mentor or lead a small team (1-2 indirect or direct reports), depending on experience.
• Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate into individual projects and overall programs.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the lab including:
  • Collect tissues by dissection or biopsy and process for paraffin-embedded or frozen microtomy
  • Stain tissues using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques
  • Perform brightfield or fluorescence microscopy and imaging
  • Quantify staining using image analysis software and techniques
• Perform appropriate statistical analysis and generate and present experimental results
• Communicate experimental results to stakeholders both one-on-one and in group settings
• Maintain study records by electronic notebook
• Maintain lab supplies and equipment

Qualifications:

Position will be hired based on level of education and experience.

• A degree in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, or any related field of Biology is required
• Typically 12-14 (BS), 10-12 (MS), or 4-6 (PhD) years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience with manual and automated (e.g., Leica Bond) IHC techniques and quantitative image analysis (e.g. Halo or similar) is a must.
• Expertise with design and execution of studies utilizing in vivo / ex vivo techniques in rodents is required
• Experience with drug formulation and administration to rodents via SC, PO, IP, and IV routes
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with data analysis, presentation, management, and statistical software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Prism) is necessary
• Good communication skills and willingness to work with a cross-functional team of researchers is essential
• Strong organization and attention to detail with the ability to efficiently deliver high-quality and timely results

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.